PHILOSOPHY AND FAQ'S
how we do it
We get out of the boardroom and get outdoors to collaborate with businesses, educators, and community organizations to co-create experiences that empower leaders and their teams.
“Blue Lake is a great place for a corporate retreat or staff event. However, as owners, our favorite part is that it never feels like a corporate retreat or staff event. It just feels like camping, partying, and relaxing with our favorite people. Most work-related events feel like work – for us and our crews. BLC is where we go to play, recharge, soak, and connect with each other. The fact that it's at a gorgeous and refreshingly brisk private lake with ample room for frivolity and peace is pretty on point as well. Because of BLC, our crew looks forward to legendary Spikeball tournaments, our own version of the Dundies, inappropriate sing-alongs around the firepit, paddleboard circles, and late-night talks about life. There is a reason we book every year.” Jesse Roberts, Owner Fire Hall Kitchen & Tap, Encore Brewing Co.
How
We will work with the Team Leader to design a custom program to meet your desired outcomes. If your team comes to camp we may use our Challenge Course that consists of 15+ different High and Low Ropes Elements. At camp, or elsewhere we may choose to keep your group grounded and pull from our traveling Ultimate Teambuilding Kit, take you out on the lake for a paddle, or go for a hike in the forest. Each team is different, our qualified facilitators will ensure we tailor the program to meet your group’s specific needs. To learn more about what a Challenge Course is, and Challenge Course Safety click here.
Our Facilitators are trained and certified by Adventureworks! One of 36 companies accredited by the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT). They have a minimum of an 80-hour certification (Challenge Course Facilitator Level 2) and create innovative programs, solve problems in ropes course environments, and are prepared for emergency situations that are unlikely to occur. Specifically, our instructors have developed advanced leadership and facilitation skills and can act on the Ropes Course similarly to a lifeguard at a pool. They focus on prevention and providing an unforgettable experience for each client.
Philosophy
We operate by three main philosophies; Challenge by Choice, I-OPt (Inviting Optimal Participation) and the outdoor experintial education cycle.
Challenge by Choice programs sequence activities to create an atmosphere of support, trust, and encouragement for taking risks. Participants agree to value group members, allow individuals to step back and try again later, focus on effort rather than performance, and respect people's choices and ideas (Scboel, Prouty, & Radcliffe, 1988)
I-OPt programs provide all participants with multiple options and levels of challenge within a single, inclusive activity design. Instructors ensure all group members can contribute to each activity's central task by deliberately balancing participant characteristics with the challenge environment (Haras, 2003).
Our facilitators are trained with tips and tricks on how to make the challenge appropriate for each person. We hope that participants will communicate their comfort zone, and take one more step beyond it.
Outdoor, Experiential Education Cycle is a learning process where participants engage in hands-on outdoor activities that challenge them physically, mentally, and emotionally. The cycle includes four stages: experiencing (participating in an activity), reflecting (thinking critically about the experience), conceptualizing (connecting the experience to broader lessons), and applying (using insights in real-world situations). This cycle encourages active learning, where participants gain personal insights and grow through direct experience.
Benefits of booking your team’s retreat with Columbia Outdoor School
There are many team-bonding experiences out there. Our difference, we develop literal team-building experiences. Our certified facilitators offer a holistic approach to team development, combining outdoor activities, leadership learning, and tailored programming for a transformative and impactful experience.
Improved Team Dynamics
Enhanced Communication Skills
Leadership Development
Increased Problem-Solving Skills
Boosted Morale and Motivation
Stress Reduction
Enhanced Trust and Collaboration
Personal Growth
Positive Organizational Culture
Increased Productivity
Customized Programming
Long-Term Impact